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As this is the first time I’ve written in 2016 I’d better say a very belated Happy New Year to you!

Friday was my birthday and I had a really wonderful day. My partner and I went to Betty’s in Ilkley for lunch. Rhys had some delicious sausages and I had a fish gratin. Both came with rostii – my Betty’s favourite! Then we picked up some goodies to take with us to my mum’s house to share with Mum and Dad over a cuppa. Sadly they had run out of vanilla slices which are Mum and my favourites but we enjoyed our treats very much.

Finally it was time for the main event. Rhys had bought my tickets to go and see the Strictly Come Dancing tour which was in Leeds on my actual birthday no less! What a fantastic show they put on. I saw the tour two years ago and this year it was even better! How I would love to be famous – just for the chance to get on that show!

To top it off Anita Rani and Gleb won the show on the night which was fab as she’s a local girl. In fact she was about 5 years above me at my school! Her dances were very dramatic and it was fab to see her win as she was knocked out of the show in the semi final. Another highlight was getting to see That Jive! Jay and Aliona’s Pulp Fiction – inspired Jive from the series. It was one of the best dances ever on the show in my opinion.

Oh dear I sound like such a Strictly geek. Well hey ho, I guess I am just that!

Rhys also bought me a beautiful necklace and Kate Davies’ latest knitting book Buachaille. Her books are so much more than just knitting patterns and this time she has included some of her husband’s traditional Highlands recipes. I can’t wait to try the cranachan! The beautiful book even matches on of my crochet WIPs (not from Kate’s book!). It’s a short cowl I’m making from left over sock wool.

Finally, yesterday afternoon we went out to a local town called Batley to visit the mill shops there. There are two – one is a mixture of all different shops including outdoorsy things and cookware. The other is the amazing Redbrick Mill which is full of top homeware and furniture brands. I was after a walking jacket (spending my birthday money from Mum and Dad straight away!) and Rhys wanted a pizza stone. We were able to pick up both items and bumped into some friends along the way. But the best bit of the trip was as we were leaving the house I spotted this:

The first daffodil and iris of the year flowering in one of my pots in the garden! It’s so strange that they are out before the snowdrops though but how it made me giddy! During the week I’m still leaving the house in the morning and getting home in the dark and so I haven’t noticed these delights happening in the garden. It looks as though there are plenty more nearly ready to come out and some crocuses too. Roll on spring time!